Kleo Pharmaceuticals Inc. announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with Yale University to license world-wide intellectual property rights related to Antibody Recruiting Molecules (ARMs) and Synthetic Antibody Molecules (SyAMs) originally developed in the laboratory of David A. Spiegel, MD, PhD.

This new class of drugs discovered by Dr. Spiegel are bifunctional small molecules that can recruit the immune system to target and kill specific disease cells. These molecules combine the advantages of biologics with those of traditional small molecules. The technology promises to further expand the already large, growing market for immunotherapies by improving overall treatment efficacy, safety and accessibility.

Dr. Spiegel commented, ”This technology emerged from years of research that began as an exploration of using small molecules to manipulate the body’s natural capabilities in fighting disease. Initial proof of concept experiments in animals successfully demonstrate the safety and efficacy of ARMs and SyAMs as immunomodulatory drugs. I’m very excited to see how they will perform in clinical development.“

Kleo received support to launch the platform from the Office of Cooperative Research (OCR) which guides the commercialization process for Yale faculty and researchers. The intellectual property technology and lead molecules licensed from Yale includes all aspects of the ARM and SyAM platform with the exception of a single target (PSMA) that was previously licensed from Yale University to Allied-Bristol Life Sciences (ABLS) last year.

“We see tremendous opportunities to leverage Dr. Spiegel’s research in the development of novel treatments for a wide range of diseases,” said Roy Prieb, co-founder at Kleo Pharmaceuticals. “We are excited to bring to bear the necessary resources and industry talent to translate his success in the lab into advances in clinical development. It’s been an absolute pleasure working with Yale and Dr. Spiegel to form this partnership and we look forward to building a long, fruitful collaboration.”

Jon Soderstrom, PhD, Managing Director of OCR said “Dr. Spiegel and the OCR team have worked together to cultivate the intellectual property, solidify the business opportunity and build relationships with investors to make the founding of Kleo a reality. I think he’s a fantastic example of how entrepreneurship is flourishing in our academic community. We look forward to seeing the technology make its way into new, effective treatments for patients. “

About the Yale Office of Cooperative Research

Since its founding in 1982, the Yale Office of Cooperative Research (OCR) has built a significant portfolio of inventions and patents and has grown into an engine of regional economic development. Its mission is to facilitate the translation of research from Yale’s labs into products and services that benefit society. OCR is recognized as a leading force for catalyzing economic growth by identifying, counseling and nurturing early-stage technologies and guiding the transition into robust companies. Learn more at: ocr.yale.edu.

About Kleo Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Kleo Pharmaceuticals Inc. is creating a new class of drugs utilizing small molecules as targeted immunotherapies. The molecules, called Antibody Recruiting Molecules (ARMs) and Synthetic Antibody Mimics (SyAMs) are bifunctional small molecules that can recruit the immune system to target and kill specific disease-causing cells. The company’s technology is built on the research of Dr. David Spiegel, MD, PhD of Yale University and has primary application in oncology indications as well as potential in infectious disease.